Pakistan vs Afghanistan ODI series 2023 is scheduled to start in August in Sri Lanka.
The three-match ODI matches against Afghanistan are designed to serve as crucial groundwork for both the upcoming Asia Cup 2023 and the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.
The team from Pakistan is slated to commence their training in Sri Lanka on August 17, followed by the commencement of the ODI series on August 22. Subsequently, the second match is set for August 24, and the final match of the series will take place on August 26. While the initial two matches are planned for Hambantota, the third ODI is scheduled to be played in Colombo.
Earlier, Asia Cup 2023 and ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 schedules has been announced. Pakistan is bracing itself to kick off their Asia Cup journey against Nepal on August 30 in Multan. This venture is part of their strategic build-up for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, where their maiden encounter is with the Netherlands on October 6.
Pakistan vs Afghanistan ODI Series 2023 Schedule
- 22 Aug – First ODI, Hambantota
- 24 Aug – Second ODI, Hambantota
- 26 Aug – Third ODI, Colombo
Afghanistan’s ODI squad for Pakistan series
Afghanistan named a strong 18-member squad for Pakistan vs Afghanistan ODI series that will be played in Sri Lanka.
As Afghanistan gears up for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in India later this year, Noor Ahmad has made a comeback to the country’s ODI squad, contributing to the finalizing of the team’s composition.
The return of Noor Ahmad implies that there was no space available for Zia Ur Rahman Akbar, a left-arm spinner who recently marked his ODI debut against Bangladesh. However, Izharulhaq Naveed, an uncapped leg-spinner who was part of the Test squad, hasn’t been included.
The fast bowling duo of Mohammad Saleem Safi and Wafadar Momand, both of whom were part of the recent ODI tour to Bangladesh, have effectively held onto their positions within the squad.
Chief Selector of the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), Asadullah Khan, emphasized their primary focus on preparing the team for the imminent Asia Cup and the World Cup in 2023. He underlined the significance of the upcoming three-match ODI series against Pakistan as an excellent opportunity to get the team in shape for these significant events.
The preparations for the Pakistan series are making steady progress, with players showcasing promising performances at the Kabul Camp, which received guidance from the ACB’s HPC (High Performance Center) staff. In addition, a week-long conditioning camp is on the agenda for the team before the Pakistan series kicks off.
Afghanistan ODI squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ikram Alikhil, Ibrahim Zadran, Riaz Hassan, Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rehman, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Abdul Rahman, Mohammad Saleem Safi and Wafadar Momand.
Reserves: Farid Ahmad Malik and Shahidullah Kamal.
